Andean Explorer & Machu Picchu

From £3,299 per person // 12 days

Take the luxurious Belmond Andean Explorer from Arequipa to Cusco, along one of the highest and most beautiful rail routes in the world. Your holiday includes a stay in Lima at the start of your holiday and an unforgettable day trip to Machu Picchu.

Itinerary

Andean Explorer & Machu Picchu

DAY 1 - ARRIVE IN LIMA

Arrive into Lima today, and make your way to the Del Pilar Milaflores (or similar), where you will be staying for 3 nights.

Head out for a wander along the clifftop and visit the large mall of Larcomar, with panoramic views across the Pacific Ocean. After familiarising yourself with the local area, why not head out for your first Peruvian dinner at one of the excellent seafood restaurants in the “Gastronomic Capital of the Americas”?

DAYS 2 & 3 - LIMA

Peru’s capital since independence from Spain in 1821, Lima is a cosmopolitan city of nearly 10 million people. From the wide boulevards of glitzy Miraflores and Barranco, to the fascinating historical centre with its 16th-century cathedral, explore all that this happening city has to offer.

After a long day of exploration, indulge in a cool Pisco Sour, Peru’s national drink, at the rooftop Souk Bar at the Radisson hotel before strolling back to your hotel in the evening warmth.

DAY 4 - LIMA TO AREQUIPA

Today its time to head back to the airport for the short domestic flight of just over an hour to Arequipa. Look out for the unmistakeable shape of El Misti volcano as you make your dramatic entrance by air into Arequipa Rodríguez Ballón Airport.

On arrival, you will be met by your private transfer driver who will take you directly through to the Casa Andina Premium (or similar) located a short walk from the main focal point of the city, the Plaza de Armas. For your first evening in Arequipa, you may choose to dine at the superb Restaurant Alma at the hotel, with its array of beautifully-presented local cuisine.

DAY 5 - AREQUIPA

Arequipa is the second-most important city of Peru after Lima, and the second-most visited after Cusco. Dominated by the 19,000-ft majestic El Misti volcano, Arequipa dates back to the 16th century and much of the historical centre is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

TMR RECOMMENDS: Take an overnight excursion to the spectacular Colca Canyon where you can see magnificent condors soaring over (and under) you as you stand close to the edge of the 13,000-ft canyon at Cruz del Condor, an unforgettable experience.

DAY 6 - AREQUIPA AND DEPARTURE ABOARD THE ANDEAN EXPLORER

Spend your final day in Arequipa browsing the market stalls at the San Camilo Market, and visiting the ornate Convento de Santa Catalina, an oasis of calm away from the hectic city. Take your last pictures at the Plaza de Armas before heading back to your hotel in anticipation of the spectacular rail journey ahead.

​Make your way to the station for a 20:00 departure aboard the Andean Explorer. Settle into your cabin before making your way to one of the elegant dining cars for dinner onboard as the train heads towards Lake Titicaca.

DAY 7 - ANDEAN EXPLORER: PUNO AND LAKE TITICACA

Make sure that you are up early today to watch the sun rise over Lake Titicaca. Breakfast is served onboard before you disembark for a tour. Start with a traditional boat ride across the lake to the island of Uros, man-made with interwoven reeds. The tour continues as you visit Taquile Island, known for its terraces of crops. Lunch is served at Collate beach, followed by a traditional dance by local performers.

​Return to the station and indulge in afternoon tea before re-boarding the train for your onward journey. Dinner is served in the restaurant cars.

DAY 8 - ANDEAN EXPLORER: MARANGANI, RAQCHI AND ARRIVAL IN CUSCO

A delicious breakfast will be served up with fabulous views as the train sets off from Marangani. This morning, you will be disembarking for a visit the fascinating Inca remains at Raqch’i. Back onboard, the last stretch of your unforgettable journey brings you into the former capital city of the Inca Empire, Cusco, where a transfer will be waiting to take you to the Antigua Casona San Blas Hotel (or similar). You have a 3-night stay here.

Spend your first afternoon here exploring the main sights of the city including the dramatic Cusco Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas, the Museo Inka and the citadel of Sacsayhuaman

DAYS 9 & 10 - CUSCO WITH MACHU PICCHU

Waking today in your centrally-situated hotel in Cusco, you have two full days to spend here.

On your second day, you have another of the undoubted highlights of this beautiful country, as you visit Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, rediscovered in the early 20th century by American explorer Hiram Bingham. Take the train to the small town of Aguas Calientes, where buses are waiting to take you to the entrance. Once inside, there are official tour guides who can take you around the site for around $20 (or the local Sol equivalent), if you would like to do this.

DAY 11 - DEPART CUSCO

Your holiday comes to an end today as you check out of your hotel and leave Cusco.

TMR RECOMMENDS: Extend your stay in Cusco and explore more of the area. We can offer day trips to the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, Ollantaytambo and more! Ask us for more details.

Typical hotels on this itinerary

Andean Explorer & Machu Picchu

Del Pilar Milaflores

Located in the Miraflores business and commercial district of Lima, the Del Pilar Hotel is a modern, comfortable base from which to explore Lima. There are 53 spacious bedrooms with free high-speed Wi-Fi access as well as a restaurant, sushi bar and 24-hour room service. The beach is around 20 minutes’ walk from the hotel.

Casa Andina Premium

The Casa Andina Premium Hotel occupies a former colonial mansion from the 18th century. It’s just around the corner from the Santa Catalina Convent in the centre of the city. Bedrooms are decorated in a traditional Peruvian style with LCD TV and tea & coffee making facilities. There is also a restaurant & bar with an outdoor terrace.

Cusco

Antigua Casona San Blas Hotel

Located in the heart of Cusco, but in a quiet side street, the Antigua Casona Hotel is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of exploring the Inca City. The hotel boasts luxurious interiors, classically decorated bedrooms and a restaurant serving Peruvian specialities.

Upgrade your accommodation

Andean Explorer & Machu Picchu

Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel

The Belmond Miraflores Park is one of the top hotels in Lima, situated in the fashionable Miraflores district of the city. Guests can benefit from personalised service, indulgent facilities such as a rooftop pool, a stunning spa and a panoramic restaurant, where breakfast is served every morning.

Cusco

Belmond Hotel Monasterio

Located in a former convent which dates back to the end of the 16th century, the Belmond Hotel Monasterio is a short walk from the main square in the centre of historic Cusco. Facilities include two restaurants, a lobby bar, a spa & wellness centre and a garden.

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